The President of the United States,
in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting
the MEDAL OF HONOR to:
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS ARTHUR J. JACKSON
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Third
Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Peleliu in the Palau
Group, 18 September 1944. Boldly taking the initiative when his platoon's left flank advance was held up by the fire of Japanese
troops concealed in strongly fortified positions, Private First Class Jackson unhesitatingly proceeded forward of our lines and,
courageously defying the heavy barrages, charged a large pillbox housing approximately thirty-five enemy soldiers. Pouring his
automatic fire into the opening of the fixed installation to trap the occupying troops, he hurled white phosphorus grenades and
explosive charges brought up by a fellow Marine, demolishing the pillbox and killing all of the enemy. Advancing alone under the
continuous fire from other hostile emplacements, he employed a similar means to smash two smaller positions in the immediate
vicinity. Determined to crush the entire pocket of resistance although harassed on all sides by the shattering blasts of Japanese
weapons and covered only by small rifle parties, he stormed one gun position after another, dealing death and destruction to the
savagely fighting enemy in his inexorable drive against the remaining defenses and succeeded in wiping out a total of twelve
pillboxes and fifty Japanese soldiers. Stouthearted and indomitable despite the terrific odds, Private First Class Jackson resolutely
maintained control of the platoon's left flank movement throughout his valiant one-man assault and, by his cool decision and relentless
fighting spirit during a critical situation, contributed essentially to the complete annihilation of the enemy in the southern sector of the
island. His gallant initiative and heroic conduct in the face of extreme peril reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Jackson
and the United States Naval Service.
/S/HARRY S. TRUMAN